BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The University of South Carolina Beaufort soccer team faced Lander University on Monday evening at Finland Field in its final Peach Belt Conference (PBC) match of the season. The Bearcats used a three-goal first half to take a 3-1 lead before holding off the Sand Sharks for the two-goal victory.
The Sand Sharks fall to 6-7-2 overall and 2-5-2 in PBC play, while Lander improves to 7-2-4 overall and 2-2-3 in conference play.
USCB's lone goal came from Sophia Willis, who scored her first goal of the season and recorded her seventh point of the year. Graysen Asher started in goal for the Sand Sharks, making four saves.
The Sand Sharks recorded the first shot of the game when Gabriela Colon fired an attempt toward goal, but the Lander goalkeeper made the early save to keep the game scoreless. After defending several Sand Shark corner kicks, the Bearcats turned the momentum into the opening goal of the match.
In the 14th minute, Saige Peterson gained control of a pass inside the box before sending a right-footed shot into the back of the net to give Lander a 1-0 lead. Six minutes later, in the 20th minute, Paige Bailey extended the Bearcats' advantage to 2-0.
Following an Asher save in the 22nd minute, the Sand Sharks responded as Willis gained control of a loose ball and fired a shot into the right side of the net, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Asher recorded another save, but Lander extended its lead once more. Angele Hills gained possession near the top of the box before sending a shot into the upper-left corner of the goal to make it 3-1.
Lander carried its 3-1 advantage into halftime. The Bearcats held an 8-7 edge in shots through the opening 45 minutes.
Early in the second half, the Sand Sharks earned three consecutive corner kicks and generated multiple scoring opportunities, including another shot on goal. However, the Lander defense held firm to keep the score at 3-1.
USCB continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, recording eight shots and earning eight corner kicks. Despite the Sand Sharks' attack, the Bearcats' defense made seven saves and helped keep the two-goal advantage.
In the final 10 minutes, Lander goalkeeper Leah Coen made a save on a penalty kick to maintain the 3-1 scoreline as the Bearcats secured the road victory.
The Sand Sharks will close out the regular season with two consecutive nonconference home matches, beginning Wednesday against Embry-Riddle. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Finland Field.
